Appearances matter—and remember to smile.
After all that happened to Nelson Mandela, racism, running away to hide, political trouble, being sentenced to Robben Island for twenty seven years of imprisonment, losing out on the life filled with family that he was meant to live, how could a man who endured so much, be able to smile?
A smile is no more than a cover up.
Did he forgive? Perhaps. Did he forget? Never. Would he have been the icon he was had he not appeared the way he did, filled with enough joy to smile? It was the smile that made him who he was. The works and the words made up his cause, but his smile made his character. No one wants to be the follower of a bitter leader. Leading is an acquired skill; it is difficult to put your own emotions to the side to focus on a greater cause. The ability to shove away anger and resentment and put on such a calm and serene smile is amazing. This is what makes him an icon–a leader worth following.
I think this is the most important skill to have in every aspect of life. Because you can’t live your life bringing your emotions and hard feelings into work, school, family, and public. There is a time and place for everything–a time to put on a poker face, a serious face, or maybe just a smile. A smile can change the world–a smile shows sincerity, which can be key to success.
